SBS Dateline | Ape Rescue

Vast swathes of land on the Indonesian island of Sumatra have been cleared for palm oil plantations and the native wildlife has been left with nowhere to go.

David Brill reports on the mission to rescue the orangutans and return them to the wild elsewhere.

Hundreds are being looked after by the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program, which also rescues those kept as pets in appalling conditions.

But on a visit to a decimated forest, it’s clear the conservation team still has a battle on its hands to save these human-like creatures.

WATCH - Click to see David’s report.

EXTRA - For more information on the groups featured in David's story, follow the links under 'resources' on the right-hand side of the page. Earth 4 Orangutans also has information on Dr Ian Singleton's current speaking tour of Australia.

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